Politics
Multiple MLB Figures Killed In Nightclub Collapse
A devastating tragedy unfolded in the Dominican Republic early Tuesday morning when the roof of the famed Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live performance, killing at least 58 people and injuring over 160 others.
The disaster struck around 1 a.m. local time as merengue legend Rubby Pérez was performing before a packed audience. Witnesses described the horrifying moment as feeling like an earthquake, with chaos erupting instantly as the roof caved in.
The Associated Press reported scenes of panic and confusion as concertgoers scrambled for safety in the darkness and debris. Among the victims were two individuals closely connected to Major League Baseball.
Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher renowned for his 15-year career and a league record of playing for 13 different teams, was initially pulled from the rubble alive. However, he later died from his injuries while being transported to a hospital.
LOS ANGELES – AUG 22: Dodgers P Octavio Dotel #26 during the Reds vs. Dodgers game on Aug 22 2010 at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles.
Dotel, 51, had remained active in Dominican baseball after his retirement and was revered for both his skill and leadership.
Dominican National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira confirmed the heartbreaking news: “Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. On the way there, his condition worsened and he died.”
The Houston Astros, one of Dotel’s many former teams, issued a statement honoring his memory: “We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that former Astros pitcher Octavio Dotel was one of several individuals that passed away when a roof collapsed in his native Dominican Republic last night.”
We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that former Astros pitcher Octavio Dotel was one of several individuals that passed away when a roof collapsed in his native Dominican Republic last night.
Dotel, 51, spent five seasons (2000-04) of his outstanding, 15-year Major… pic.twitter.com/wQui3h7rko
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 8, 2025
Tragedy also struck the family of current MLB star Nelson Cruz. His sister, Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province, was among those killed.
According to First Lady Raquel Arbaje, Nelsy managed to place a desperate call to President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m., pleading for help from beneath the collapsed roof. Though she was later pulled from the rubble alive, she died from her injuries at the hospital.
Nelson Cruz has yet to release a public statement on the death of his sister.
Nelson Cruz designed hitter for the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium in Peoria Arizona USA February 25,2017.
“This is too great a tragedy,” Arbaje said, visibly emotional while speaking to the press.
Rubby Pérez survived the collapse but sustained injuries. Tragically, one of his longtime band members, a saxophonist, was confirmed dead in the aftermath.
Rescue efforts continued well into the day, with firefighters and emergency crews navigating the mangled remains of the nightclub in hopes of locating additional survivors.
President Abinader visited the site Tuesday morning and later declared three days of national mourning. He posted on X, formerly Twitter, that all emergency agencies were “working tirelessly” to assist the victims and their families.
“We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” the president told ESPN as crews worked into the afternoon, lifting debris, cutting through rebar, and listening carefully for signs of life beneath the rubble.
The Jet Set nightclub, established in 1973, has been a staple of Dominican nightlife for decades. Known for hosting legendary musical acts and remaining a hotspot for live performances, the club underwent major renovations in 2010 and again in 2015.
Despite its storied history, questions are now being asked about the structure’s safety. Investigators are examining whether a lightning strike in 2023—combined with the building’s aging infrastructure—may have weakened the roof and contributed to its collapse.
